1. Introduction:

Mismanagement and different technical ”innovations” are leading to the point that fencing is getting more and more expensive. Even fencers from more developed fencing nations are suffering because of the price explosion. For athletes from less fortunate countries like in South America, Africa, and even Asia the border of tolerable costs has been crossed.

In countries like Thailand, a police officer has to work three months or more, for being able to buy a complete set of fencing equipment for his son - and the family did not eat yet.


2. Mismanagment

Some national associations do change dates of their worldcups, with the approval of the FIE, without taking care about the athletes. They think it is enough to write ”modifé” in their invitation and everything is OK. They do not reckon that problems will result, like rising prices of tickets, rebooking fees of flights and accommodations.

A current example: In the FIE-schedule the sabre Grand Prix in New York was dated on 12./13. June, the WC Havana on June 22./23. So that worlcups can be financed, flights have to be booked very early. The point is, that those tickets are sold at a low price, so that a rebooking or refund is not possible.

In 2004, New York shifted its sabre tournament one day in advance and Havana delayed by two days later. Therefore Willi Kothny has to bare the costs of the following extra charges:

	Rebooking Frankfurt - Madrid - New York	€ 150,00
	Additional accommodation New York 1 day	€ 150,00
	Rebooking Havanna - Cancun - New York	€ 150,00
	Additional accommodation Havanna 3 days	€ 100,00
	Rebooking New York - Madrid - Frankfurt	€ 150,00
	Seasonal extra charge flight Frankfurt - Bangkok (starting June 28.)	€ 200,00
	Sum of extra costs:	€ 900,00

Question to the FIE and the fencing federations of USA and Cuba: ”Is it fair, that a fencer shall pay for mismanagement of federations ?” Because these costs will be added to the normal expenses of approximately € 2.500,00. The persons in charge think that a simple ”modifé” in the tournament calendar will be enough. And New York and Havana are not the only examples. In the season of 2003/04 you can find the word ”modifé” six times in the calendar of sabre-competitions.


3. Transparent Mask

The transparent mask was introduced in order to follow alleged demands of the television. A reason, which is not comprehensible.

The example below shows, that it is not possible to recognize the emotional condition of a fencer just by observing his eyes. The eyes do not reflect primarily the emotional condition of the sportsman, but it’s the expression of his face - and this is still covered by the mask.

Please move the mouse over the face for a demonstration !




The price of this technical ”innovation” has to be paid solely by the athlete. Instead of € 126,00 for a standard electric mask, € 293,00 will incurr - an excess of € 167,00 (list price allstar).

One more aspect: The transparent mask distorts the view. All fencers I have asked certified this, some even complained about nausea after the fight. Did one of the FIE-officials ever put on one of these transparent masks and move for while with it ? I don't think so, because otherwise they would not give the order to use these masks during the Olympic games.


4. Wireless Fencing

Nobody knows exactly, how the system of wireless fencing works. Who can give the guarantee, that this radio equipment is safe from outside manipulations or influences ?

And: There is a vague rumour, that the small boxes, who are carried by the fencers should be paid by themselves after the Olympic Games. And nobody knows the price. For the national federations and associations the acquisition of the wireless alarm units will increase the investments. A cost explosion which can hardly be estimated - and what for ? Wireless fencing only has one advantage: After scoring, the fencer can turn 180° to go back to the start position without struggeling with the cable. For the competition, wireless fencing has no advantage.


5. Request

What is to do? The FIE should discuss the question, how to make fencing more attractive to the public by simple and cheap changing of rules and service (e.g. TV-slow motion after the point, so that the visitor can follow the high speed action.)

During a Formula 1-race nobody can see the face of a Michael Schumacher, but millions of spectators all over the world are watching the races.

If you should agree with these ideas, so please articulate your opinion and also make suggestions to make things better - The national federations should speak with the FIE, sportsmen with the active speakers, and everybody on every fencing homepage of the world, like the forum at www.kothny.de.

For the sake of fencing I would say that a discussion about these problems would help to evaluate.